Champion midfielder Luke Shuey will lead West Coast’s AFL premiership assault next season after being appointed Shannon Hurn’s successor as captain.
Shuey was a clear choice as skipper after serving as joint vice-captain with star forward Josh Kennedy for the past three years.
The 29-year-old, who has played 201 games for West Coast across 10 seasons, won the Eagles’ best-and-fairest award this year and is widely regarded as one of the competition’s top on-ballers.
Shuey claimed the Norm Smith Medal as best afield in the 2018 premiership-winning team under Hurn, who stepped down this week after five years as captain.
“I’ve always wanted to be the best leader I can be, purely just to help this footy club grow and succeed,” Shuey said.
“I said all along if I was to be captain it would have to be the best thing for the footy club. I’m not about being captain just for the title.
“I’m here to help the footy club grow and improve, and hopefully get back to where we were in 2018 after the job ‘Bung’ (Hurn) did.
“It’s an enormous privilege and one I’m looking forward to.”
A player vote for Shuey to succeed Hurn was endorsed by the club’s board this week.
All-Australian duo Kennedy and Jeremy McGovern will serve as his vice-captains, with the rest of the leadership group to be determined early next year.
Shuey is West Coast’s 11th captain.
“He’s ready to go,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.
“As much as Shannon’s really carried the load for our group, we’ve got tremendous leaders at our club who’ve developed over a long period of time.
“Luke’s stood up on the big stage. The best leaders care the most and he cares about his mates and he cares about the club.”
West Coast open the 2020 AFL season against Melbourne at Optus Stadium on March 22.
Klompy
Guest
Congratulations to Luke Shuey in coming of Captain to the mighty Eagles. He will be a great leader. Go Eagles.
Eddie from Elwood
Roar Rookie
Except maybe Premierships delights! All in good time.
WCE
Roar Rookie
Well done boots! Big shoes to fill but your work ethic, diligence and experience will be a great asset to this wonderful club
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
And in more good news, Port names Tom Jonas as the standalone captain. Hallelujah!!!!
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Nico, I love The Eagles too...but... Come to the Purple side. Delights you'd never imagine.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Glendinning, Rance, McKenna, Woosha...
ScottyJ
Roar Rookie
Certainly earned his stripes.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Bloody love the Eagles!!! New fan, and hope it’s a lifelong fandom.
Paul D
Roar Guru
They like their backmen as captain at the Eagles - Hurn, and Glass before him so I daresay you're right
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
I felt gov was in with a chance but he has been made vice captain so will probably be captain in a few years.
Seymorebutts
Guest
Norm Smith medal in a premiership winning side, I think for every player that's the award they really want. Heres to another great season from the little champion. ;-)
Paul D
Roar Guru
Standout candidate for the role, I doubt anyone else was even considered.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Obviously the right bloke for the job with it being a player vote, congratulations boots.